Sayma's Blog

This week’s assignment focused on the importance of pricing when starting a business, and it highlighted how the right price can help set a product apart. Natural soap making is a great first business idea, as soap is an essential item for everyone, and using natural ingredients can differentiate the product from traditional soaps found on store shelves. With more people becoming conscious of what they put on their skin, natural soaps offer a simpler, healthier alternative to the long list of chemicals in conventional products.  One of the biggest benefits of natural soaps is the transparency of ingredients—clear, recognizable items like olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils—that build customer trust and loyalty, unlike traditional soaps with confusing, hard-to-pronounce chemicals.  Pricing handmade natural soaps should reflect their value as a luxury skincare product, not just a cleaning item. Strategies like value-based pricing can allow for higher prices w...

This week, I had an interesting experience with service marketing when I went for a test drive at a local Toyota dealership. Service marketing focuses on the customer experience, and I got to see firsthand how businesses use different strategies to keep potential buyers engaged. Before going, I had heard stories about car salespeople being too pushy or trying to upsell unnecessary features. However, my experience was quite different. The salesperson I interacted with was friendly and informative. He took the time to explain all the features of the car I was interested in and didn’t pressure me into making a quick decision. This approach made me feel more comfortable and more likely to trust the dealership. One challenge I faced was that the dealership didn’t have the trim level I wanted in stock. Toyota has been experiencing low inventory, especially for minivans, which made it harder to find the exact model I was looking for. However, instead of just ending the conversation there, the...

This week's post is inspired by chapters 10 and 11 of the Kerin textbook, which explore global marketing strategies and product management. The case study of McDonald's entry into the Indian market serves as an excellent example of how understanding and adapting to cultural differences can drive success in a foreign market. When McDonald's entered the Indian market, it faced the challenge of a population that largely doesn't consume beef due to religious beliefs. Understanding and respecting cultural nuances was key to McDonald's strategy in capturing market share in India. India's dietary preferences are influenced by religious beliefs and traditions. For many Hindus, cows are sacred, and beef consumption is prohibited. Additionally, a significant number of Indians are vegetarians. McDonald's realized it needed to adapt its menu to these preferences. McDonald's McAloo Tikki Burger In 1996, McDonald's introduced a revamped menu excluding beef and por...

As a first-year business student who’s new to the U.S., I’ve been learning about how companies use marketing research to understand their customers and improve their products. One great example I’ve noticed is Starbucks and its introduction of the Matcha Latte. Matcha, a finely powdered green tea, has been growing in popularity in recent years, especially among health-conscious consumers. Starbucks tapped into this trend by adding the Matcha Latte to their menu, responding to customer preferences for healthier and unique drink options. By paying attention to customer insights, Starbucks was able to identify that many consumers were looking for alternatives to coffee and wanted something energizing but with a different flavor profile. The Matcha Latte fit perfectly into this demand. From a marketing research perspective, Starbucks likely used surveys, focus groups, and sales data to understand consumer tastes and trends before launching the Matcha Latte. They probably found that matcha’...

I’ve always been fascinated by big events like the Football World Cup, Cricket World Cup, and the Olympics. This year, I had the chance to watch my first Super Bowl and experience the excitement of American football. It reminded me of those global tournaments, but with a unique twist that caught me by surprise: the Super Bowl commercials. Before the game, I heard that Super Bowl commercials are a big deal in the U.S. Companies put in a lot of effort to create ads that are funny, emotional, and memorable, knowing that millions of people will be watching. I was curious to see what the hype was all about, and I wasn’t disappointed. The commercials were unlike anything I had seen before. Some were hilarious and had me laughing out loud, while others were touching and made me feel emotional. There were also ads featuring famous celebrities, which made them even more interesting. I could tell that a lot of creativity and thought went into making each commercial, and I understood why they are...

When we talk about consumer behavior, we’re referring to the actions and decisions that customers make when choosing, using, and disposing of products and services. A perfect example of this in action is The Honey Pot, a brand that has gained popularity by offering natural, plant-based feminine care products. One of the key factors behind The Honey Pot’s success is understanding the wants and needs of its target audience. Women, especially those interested in natural health, are becoming more conscious about the ingredients in personal care products. The Honey Pot appeals to these consumers by offering transparency in their ingredients and focusing on natural, sustainable options. This connects with customers who prioritize health-conscious choices. Another important factor is emotional branding. The Honey Pot has positioned itself as a brand that not only cares about personal well-being but also about empowering women. Their marketing emphasizes inclusivity and self-care, creating a s...